Posts Tagged ‘carbon reduction commitment’

There are other ways to Save Energy than by just changing the light bulbs

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010

The lack of response from companies required to register under the Government’s Carbon Reduction Commitment – Energy Efficiency Scheme (some estimates state only 20% of those qualifying have signed up) seems to underline the apathy of big users of electricity towards meeting their responsibilities.

Energy savings in buildings

Energy savings in buildings

The registration by companies using more than 600 Mwh per annum is intended as a first step to reducing energy consumption against an established benchmark. There are undoubtedly difficulties in identifying what specific actions need to be taken to effect savings which can be accurately measured. Few companies have in place sophisticated energy measuring devices which record the consumption by activity. For example, it is well known that heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) costs typically account for 70% of a building’s energy consumption. But just what element in this mix accounts for what proportion of consumption is rarely known and this can act as an excuse for not taking action.

Without detailed information on energy cost accounting it’s more difficult to decide what focussed actions to take to achieve clearly measurable savings. Maybe here lies a clue to the apparent apathy, but to do nothing will ultimately incur significant fines.

However, like changing to low energy light bulbs, there is plenty of proof to show that uncleaned dirty air conditioning systems can increase energy consumption by up to 60%. Removing dirt accumulations on Air Handling Units and coils, cleaning the fans, carrying out duct cleaning and introducing low energy air filters will achieve significant energy savings without incurring substantial costs.

So, without sophisticated measuring technology building owners and managers can make worthwhile energy savings in the costs of running buildings. Plus a cleaned air conditioning system will result in a healthier working environment. That should keep the number crunchers and the staff happy.

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How does uncleaned ventilation systems increase energy consumption?

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

The Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme comes into force in September for companies/establishments whose annual electricity consumption exceeds £500,000 per year.  Can you tell us how uncleaned ventilation systems can increase this consumption?

Dirty Ducts

Dirty Ducts

HVAC can account for 70% of an organisation’s energy costs.  The Carbon Trust claims that poorly maintained and dirty ventilation systems can increase energy consumption by 60%.  This is the result of dirt and debris in the ducting and on the coils and filters clogged which put the main resistance on the fan.  The more the fan has to work to maintain the system’s operating efficiency, the more energy is consumed.  There’s a straight forward  message – clean the system, improve the filtration and not only will the air quality be improved but there will be a bonus in the form of energy saving. (more…)

Clean Ventilation Systems – Never More Essential

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Image and Editorial Source: Health Estate Journal

Richard Norman, Managing Director of Indepth Hygiene Services Limited, the UK’s leading company for specialist cleaning of ventilation systems talks about the importance of ensuring they are thoroughly cleaned.Richard Norman - Indepth Hygiene

There has never been a previous time when those responsible for the maintenance of ventilation systems had more reason to ensure they are maintained in a clean and safe condition. On a fundamental level the National Health Service is charged with the responsibility in its own constitution to ensure “patients are treated by an organisation that provides its services in a clean and safe environment”. The very air that patients, staff and visitors breathe must be safe and unpolluted. Since the essential functions of a ventilation (air conditioning) system is to circulate clean safe air it is indisputable that those with a particular responsibility for maintaining ventilation systems should ensure that all possible steps are taken to do just that.

Unfortunately it is my company’s experience that, with some exceptions, ventilation systems are not being given the priority attention they deserve. Even against a background of greater focus on achieving improved cleanliness under the Government’s deep clean drive there is little evidence of ventilation systems being included in the programme essentially aimed at reducing the incidence of healthcare associated infections (HCAI). (more…)